Hepa Hoodie

ABSTRACT

An article of clothing to protect the wearer against airborne contaminants including but not limited to allergens, bacteria, mold, and viruses such as H1N1 and avian flu. 
     The garment incorporates a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter or enhanced HEPA filter, where such enhancements may include but are not limited to improved anti-microbial properties such as a copper filter which reduces or eliminates the MRSA virus. The garment may be, but is not limited to, a sweatshirt (“hoodie”), jacket, shirt, blouse, scarf, vest, athletic wear, or hooded cap crafted of any fabric. The HEPA filter may be a permanently installed washable filter or a removable replaceable filter or incorporate portions of both. The HEPA filter is placed such that it covers the wearer&#39;s nose and mouth; such placement may optionally require the wearer to make attachments or the placement may be automatic.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED INVENTION

9,060,555 Harris Clothing with Retention Structure in Pocket 8,234,720 Freedman Sweatshirt 5,526,532 Willard Waterproof and Breathable Garment D/431,864 White Hoodie

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many people wear a garment commonly called a sweatshirt or “hoodie”. Many people with allergic reactions to environmental factors wear a HEPA (high efficiency particulate arresting) facemask to protect their breathing from these environmental factors. However, many people do not want to wear HEPA facemasks because they are not socially acceptable. This Hepa Hoodie invention incorporates a HEPA facemask into the hoodie garment to create a socially acceptable means of wearing a HEPA facemask to protect the wearer from environmental factors including allergens, bacteria, and viruses.

The design and manufacture of hoodie garments is well known prior art to the industry.

HEPA facemask filters have been developed by several companies. Some HEPA facemasks have antibacterial and antiviral properties. An example of a recent design is the Respokare Anti-Viral Facemask which features a four layer construction which includes an antiviral layer of dyed rayon with copper and zinc ions for antiviral action as well as an inner layer consisting of spun-bound polypropylene, a non-active layer consisting of non-woven melt-blown polypropylene, and an outer layer consisting of a spun-bound coating containing citric acid among other substances. The Respokare facemask is marketed by Curad/lonixx. They claim protection from these strains H1N1, H3N2, H3N8, H5N1, H5N2, and H9N2 of influenza virus.

Another example is marketed by Vogmask; they claim protection from air pollution, bacteria, viruses, pollen, mold spores, cigarette smoke, and pet allergens. The Vogmask facemasks are of a reusable design, and meets NIOSH N99 filter efficiency.

What is novel about this invention is the incorporation of a HEPA facemask filter into the design of a hoodie garment.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A HEPA facemask filter with antibacterial and antiviral properties is incorporated into the design of a hoodie or other garment. The filter may be detachable and replaceable, or permanently attached and washable.

DESCRIPTION OF THE VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an example HEPA HOODIE. The sweatshirt/hoodie 101 has a HEPA facemask 102 incorporated. In FIG. 2 it can be seen that the HEPA facemask 102 has ear loops 103, which are fastened around the wearer's ears to pull the facemask tight to the wearer's face.

FIG. 3 shows an example of a hoodie 101 with removable HEPA facemask 102 attached by fastening ear loops 103 with male end of a snap attachment 104 sewn onto the end of a ¾″ finished loop, and female end of a snap attachment 104 sewn to the inside of the hoodie's hood.

FIG. 4 shows an example of a removable HEPA facemask 102 attached by ear loops 103 with Velcro rectangle 105 sewn around the ear loop cord and corresponding Velcro rectangle 106 sewn to the inside of the hood.

FIG. 5 shows an example of a removable HEPA facemask 102 attached by ear loops 103 with a button and loop mechanism 107 which is sewn onto a reinforced patch on the inside of the hood.

FIG. 6 shows an example of a removable HEPA facemask 102 attached with buttons and reinforced patch 108 sewn onto the inside of the hood, with the addition of a storage pocket 109 which can hold the facemask when not in use within the hood; the pocket is closed by means of a button 108 which also anchors the ear 103 which attaches the facemask. FIG. 6A shows an alternate side view.

FIG. 7 shows an example of a garment with a permanently sewn-in HEPA mask 102 in the hood 109 of a pullover style hoodie. View 7A shows the hood 109 pulled down. View 7B shows the hood 109 pulled up. View 7C shows the interior detail of the sewn-in mask, where it may be seen that facemask 102 is sewn into the appropriate part of the hood 109.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A HEPA facemask filter with antibacterial and antiviral properties is incorporated into the design of a hoodie or other garment in a manner to make it socially acceptable to the wearer. The filter may be detachable and replaceable, or permanently attached and washable.

In use, the wearer puts on the garment, reaches into the hood, detaches the facemask's ear loop attachment points, if any, and puts the facemask's ear loops around his or her ears, then tightens the noseband over the bridge of the nose, thus wearing the facemask in the normal fashion. Another option has the facemask attached to the hoodie in such a manner that the hood has tighteners or is constructed of an elastic fabric which makes the hood itself pull the facemask snug against the wearer's face without the use of ear loops. 

I claim: 1) A garment designed to incorporate an air purifying facemask either temporarily or permanently. 2) Claim 1 where the garment is a sweatshirt, commonly known as a “hoodie”. 3) Claim 1 where the air purifying facemask has additional antibacterial and antiviral properties. 4) Claim 1 where the temporary means of attachment consists of a snap, a Velcro attachment, one or two zippers, a button and loop, or a storage pocket. 5) Claim 1 where the permanent means of attachment consists of sewing or gluing part of the mask to part of the garment. 6) Claim 1 where the hood, or a portion of it, is constructed of an elastic fabric that automatically pulls the facemask tight against the wearer's face without the use of ear loops. 7) Claim 1 where the facemask is rated N95 or better by the United States National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). 